Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair - open - discharge

Alternate Names

When You Were in the Hospital

You had open aortic aneurysm surgery to repair an aneurysm (a widened part) in your aorta, the large artery that carries blood to your belly (abdomen), pelvis, and legs.

You have a long incision (cut) either in the middle of your belly or on the left side of your belly. Your surgeon repaired your aorta through this incision. After spending 1 to 3 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), you spent more time recovering in a regular hospital room.

What to Expect at Home

Plan to have someone drive you home from the hospital. Do NOT drive yourself home.

You should be able to do most of your regular activities in 4 to 8 weeks. Before that:

Do not lift anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds until you see your doctor.

Avoid all strenuous activity. This includes heavy exercising, weightlifting, and other activities that make you breathe hard or strain.

Short walks and using stairs are okay.

Light housework is okay.

Don't push yourself too hard. Increase how much you exercise slowly.

Managing Pain

Your doctor will prescribe pain medicines to use at home. If you are taking pain pills 3 or 4 times a day, try taking them at the same times each day for 3 to 4 days. They may be more effective this way.

Try getting up and moving around if you are having some pain in your belly. This may ease your pain.

Press a pillow over your incision when you cough or sneeze to ease discomfort and protect your incision.

Wound Care

Change the dressing over your surgical wound once a day, or sooner if it becomes soiled. Your doctor will tell you when you do not need to keep your wound covered. Keep the wound area clean. You may wash it with mild soap and water if your doctor says you can. See also: Surgical wound care

You may remove the wound dressings and take showers if sutures, staples, or glue were used to close your skin if your doctor says you can.

If tape strips (Steri-strips) were used to close your incision, cover the incision with plastic wrap before showering for the first week. Do not try to wash off the Steri-strips or glue.

Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Lifestyle Changes

Surgery will not cure the cause of your aneurysm. Your arteries may become widened again, or you may have this problem in another artery. You will need to make lifestyle changes to try to prevent the problem from coming back:

Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking (if you smoke), and reduce stress to help lower your chances of having a blocked artery again.